halo 2015 annual report

8/19/2019 HALO 2015 Annual Report

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2015HALO ANNUAL REPORT


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR ......................................................................................................................................... 1

ABOUT HALO ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2

OUR HISTORY AND IMPACT ............................................................................................................................................................. 2

OUR V ISION ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3

OUR MISSION .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3

OUR LINES OF BUSINESS ................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Research .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3

Leadership ........................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Training and Education ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

Knowledge Translation ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

Partnership .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Advocacy .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3

Good Governance ................................................................................................................................................................ 3

DR. KRISTI ADAMO .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

DR. JEAN-PHILIPPE CHAPUT ................................................................................................................................................. 5

DR. GARY GOLDFIELD .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

DR. KATIE GUNNELL ............................................................................................................................................................. 7

DR. PAT LONGMUIR............................................................................................................................................................. 8

DR. MARK TREMBLAY .......................................................................................................................................................... 9

HALO STAFF ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10

GRADUATE STUDENTS ....................................................................................................................................................... 15

FELLOWS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 19

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE ....................................................................................................................................................... 20 HALO CLINICAL ASSOCIATES .............................................................................................................................................. 20

AFFILIATE INVESTIGATORS ................................................................................................................................................ 21

WHERE ARE THEY NOW ..................................................................................................................................................... 22

VISITORS AND INVITED SPEAKERS ..................................................................................................................................... 23

INVITED SPEAKERS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 23

STUDENTS AND VOLUNTEERS ............................................................................................................................................ 24

HALO PHOTO GALLERY ...................................................................................................................................................... 26

HALO HIGHLIGHTS ............................................................................................................................................................. 28

POSITION STATEMENT ON ACTIVE OUTDOOR PLAY ............................................................................................................................ 28

PHYSICAL AC TIVITY AND DIE TARY IMPLICATIONS T HROUGHOUT PREGN ANCY : T HE PLACENTA STUDY ....................................................... 29

INTERNATIONAL STUDY OF C HILDHOOD OBESITY , LIFESTYLE AND THE E NVIRONMENT (ISCOLE) ................................................................. 30

HEALTHY HABITS OF MOTHERS AND CHILDREN TRIAL .......................................................................................................................... 31

LIFE AND HEALTH FOR C HILDREN WITH C ONGENITAL HEART DEFTECTS .................................................................................................. 32

HALO’ S W EB PRESENCE .............................................................................................................................................................. 33

SEDENTARY BEHAVIOUR RESEARCH NETWORK (SBRN) ...................................................................................................................... 35

ACTIVE HEALTHY K IDS GLOBAL ALLIANCE (AHKGA) ......................................................................................................................... 35


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STAFF AWARDS ................................................................................................................................................................. 36

STUDENT FUNDING, SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS........................................................................................................... 36

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FUNDING AND GRANTS ............................................................................................................ 37

PEER-REVIEWED, REFEREED PUBLICATIONS....................................................................................................................... 40

NON-PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS ................................................................................................................................ 47

PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 47 BOOK CHAPTERS ............................................................................................................................................................... 50

CONFERENCES AND INVITED PRESENTATIONS ................................................................................................................... 50

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS ................................................................................................................................................ 60

CONTACT US (STAFF LIST AS OF MARCH 31, 2016) ............................................................................................................. 61


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HALO ANNUAL REPORT 2015 1 CHEO – RESEARCH INSTITUTE

WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR

The Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group (HALO) at the

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEO-RI) had

another successful and productive year in 2015. It was the first full year

with HALO comfortably established in its consolidated home on the

second floor of Research Institute 1 – it is nice to be “settled”. On the

eve of our 10th

anniversary we had our most productive and influential

year to date. The reward and repeated evidence of positive impact on

the lives of children and youth in Ottawa, Ontario, across Canada, and

around the world overshadows the present challenges associated with

progressive resource constraints. In 2015 we welcomed visiting

scholars and students from Australia, Brazil, Chile, France and Zimbabwe; and we welcomed two new babies –

baby Ruby (Casey Gray) and baby Charlie (Angela Wilson).

Self-assessments are usually positive, so my assessment of 2015 as another good and productive year should

come as no surprise. However, there are objective metrics that can be used to substantiate HALO’s impact. For

example, in addition to publishing 93 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals in 2015, the research

publications from HALO scientists were cited >3000 times in 2015 alone – extraordinary evidence of the impact

and credibility of our work. Furthermore, local, national and international news outlets routinely seek comment

from HALO scientists as thought leaders; and HALO scientists were invited to deliver >130 presentations andlectures at scholarly conferences around the world (see presentations section for details) in 2015. There were

many specific highlights in 2015 and I encourage you to read about these in this Annual Report.

2015 also marked the transition of Dr. Kristi Adamo and her research team to the School of Human Kinetics at

the University of Ottawa. Dr. Adamo is one of the founding members of HALO and is the 2015 Canadian Society

for Exercise Physiology Young Investigator Award recipient. Congratulations to Dr. Adamo on her award and her

new position. Dr. Adamo will remain connected to HALO as an Affiliated Investigator.

Through research, leadership, knowledge translation, partnerships, training and education, and advocacy HALO

works diligently to promote and preserve healthy active lifestyles, while managing and treating childhood

inactivity and obesity. As an identified area of focus, HALO benefits from the extensive support of the CHEO

Research Institute, CHEO Foundation and CHEO itself. This Annual Report provides a catalogue of the activities

and accomplishments made by HALO in 2015 and is intended to inform partners, stakeholders, funders,

potential students and staff, and other interested parties about our group. It is available in print form upon

request and also on our website at www.haloresearch.ca. HALO remains indebted to the donors, contributors,

researchers, stakeholders, alumni and partners, who fund, facilitate, support and synergize our efforts. To all of

you, please accept our most sincere thanks.

Best wishes for a healthy, active 2016.

Mark Tremblay, Ph.D., D.Litt. (hons), FACSM, CSEP-CEP

Director, Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group (HALO), CHEO Research Institute

Professor/Scientist, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa

Chair, Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance

http://www.haloresearch.ca/http://www.haloresearch.ca/http://www.haloresearch.ca/http://www.haloresearch.ca/


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AB OU T HA LO

Our History and Impact

The Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group (HALO) was established in 2007 in response to the escalating obesity

crisis and the increasing complexity of related co-morbidities. Today the HALO team consists of 17 staff (including 6

researchers), a childhood obesity clinical team (Centre for Healthy Active Living), 17 graduate students, and many

community volunteers.

Some of our practice-changing contributions include:

Development of the Kenyan International

Development Study – Canadian Activity Needs

Research Alliance (KIDS-CAN)

Creation of the Centre for Healthy Active Living

(CHAL)

Development of the Canadian Assessment of

Physical Literacy (CAPL) Development of the Canadian Physical Activity

Guidelines

Development of the first ever Canadian Sedentary

Behaviour Guidelines

Co-creation of the Active Healthy Kids Canada

Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and

Youth which is now the ParticipACTION Report Card

Creation of the Sedentary Behaviour ResearchNetwork (SBRN)

Development of the Active Healthy Kids CanadaPosition Stand on Active Video Games for Children

and Youth

Contribution to the development of the Canadian

Obesity Network's (CON) 5 As of Healthy Pregnancy

Weight Gain

Development of an "Obesity in Preconception and

Pregnancy" Resource for maternity care providers

Creation of the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance

(AHKGA)

Leadership/contribution to Ottawa Public Health’s

Childcare Healthy Eating and Active Living

Guidelines

Since its inception in 2007, HALO has received over $12 million in research

funding; produced more than 520 peer-reviewed publications; has given

more than 980 scholarly presentations locally, nationally and

internationally; and secured more than 1.3 billion media impressions!


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Our Vision

HALO will…

Provide international leadership and research excellence as it relates to healthy active living and obesity in children and

youth.

Our Mission

HALO will…

Be a multidisciplinary centre of excellence in healthy active living and obesity research for children and youth that will:

• Advance the understanding and promotion of health and wellness where children live, play, and learn.

• Develop, evaluate, and mobilize innovative strategies to prevent, manage, and treat obesity and lifestyle-

related diseases.

Our Lines of Business

Research

Promote and assess healthy active living among children and youth.

Identify, examine and address environmental, behavioural, psychosocial, and biological factors related to healthy active

living and obesity in children and youth.Develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to prevent, manage, and treat obesity and lifestyle-related diseases in children

and youth.

Leadership

Be a credible, innovative, and authoritative source for child-focused healthy active living and obesity research, information

and planning.

Training and Education

Be an internationally recognized centre for trainees, researchers and professionals interested in healthy active living and

obesity research, leadership and advocacy for children and youth.

Knowledge Translation

Show leadership and innovation in translating, disseminating, and mobilizing child-focused healthy active living and obesity

research.

Partnership

Use municipal, provincial, national, and international partnerships to create, promote, and evaluate healthy active living

initiatives for children and youth.

Ad vo ca cy

Serve as a professional, informed, and authoritative voice to promote healthy active living and prevent obesity in children

and youth.

Good Governance

Be effective, efficient, and transparent in all aspects of our work.


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DR. KRISTI ADAMO

Education, Credentials, Academic Appointments

MSc Faculty of Human Biology & Nutritional Sciences; University of Guelph

o Visiting scholar- Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre & August Krogh

Institute, Denmark (1997)

PhD Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of

Ottawa

o Visiting scholar - Joslin Diabetes Centre- Harvard Medical School (2005)

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology – Certified Exercise Physiologist Associate Professor, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences

Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of

Ottawa

Faculty appointment in Ph.D. Program in Population Health, University of Ottawa

Research Scientist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute

Clinical Epidemiology Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Biography

Dr. Adamo is a Research Scientist with a

multi-disciplinary background and is a

founding member of the HALO ResearchGroup. She currently directs HALO’s

metabolic research lab for which she led

the planning and development through CFI

/ORF funding. Kristi’s research program,

Power of Prevention in the Early Years,

focuses on early intervention and upstream

prevention of childhood obesity (i.e.,

pregnancy obesity management). Dr.

Adamo is a Canadian Institutes of Health

Research New Investigator and the 2012

recipient of the CHEO Research Institute’s

Award of Excellence for Outstanding

Investigator. Kristi’s most successful

experiments have resulted in the birth of

her daughters Kysia in 2007 and Mallea in

2009.

Research, Clinical, Professional and Scholarly Focus and Service

Current research interests include: i) intergenerational cycle of obesity, ii)child obesity prevention, iii) lifestyle contributors to maternal-fetal health,

iv) critical periods of growth and development, v) maternal-placental-fetaldialogue Associate Editor, Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism (official

journal of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and theCanadian Nutrition Society)

Canadian Obesity Network’s 5A’s for Health Pregnancy Weight Gainleadership group

Member, Research Institute Joint Health and Safety Committee Member, Research Institute Biosafety Committee Member, Scientific Advisory Board; Start2Finish: Running and Reading

Clubs Member, Dietitians of Canada; EaTracker reference group Lead writer, Best Start Resource Centre; Obesity in the Preconception

and Prenatal Period

Member, Advisory Board; CHEO’s Centre for Healthy Active Living Committee Member, SOGC Clinical Guideline on the Nutritional Needs

of Women through the Lifespan Lead, Obesity Prevention from Conception: pan Canadian trial team Reviewer for many scholarly journals, conference abstracts, granting

agencies (CIHR, MRC- South Africa, Canadian Diabetes Association,Canada Foundation of Innovation, Alberta Heritage Foundation, thePhysicians’ Services Incorporated Foundation etc.), and academicorganizations

Graduate and Undergraduate Supervision and Training

Holly Ockenden (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc Supervisor(2013-2015)

Kendra Brett (University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Supervisor (2011-2015)

Alysha Harvey (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Supervisor (2014- )

Chantal Dube (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Supervisor (2015- ) Angelica Blais (University of Ottawa) – M.HK Supervisor (2015-2017)

Dr. Heidi Dutton (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Supervisor (2015- )

Danilo Fernandes DaSilva (PhD - c) Universidade Estadual de Maringá. (2014 - )

Reem Issa, Pamela Leore & Patricia Burhunduli – Undergraduate Supervisor

(2015)

Rebecca Chedid (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Committee (2015- )

Hans Christian Tingelstad (University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Committee (2014- )

Lucien Nadeau (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Committee (2014- )

Novella Martinello (University of Ottawa) – Ph.d. Committee (2015- )

Memberships•

Canadian Obesity Network• Canadian Society for Exercise

Physiology

•

The Obesity Society•

Society of Obstetricians andGynecologists of Canada

• North American Society forPediatric Exercise Medicine

• Ontario Society for Health &Fitness

• Treatment and Research ofObesity in Pediatrics in Canada

•

Reality Coalition Canada


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DR. JEAN-PHILIPPE CHAPUT

Education Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Human Nutrition, University of Copenhagen

(2010) Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Department of Kinesiology, Laval University (2008) M.Sc. in Kinesiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sherbrooke

(2004) B.Sc. in Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sherbrooke (2003)

Academic Appointments Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of

Ottawa Adjunct Professor, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa Cross-Appointment, School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine Faculty Appointment in the Ph.D. Program in Population Health, University of Ottawa Research Scientist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute

Biography

Dr. Chaput’s research focuses on obesity

prevention and the adoption of a healthy

lifestyle. He is also interested in new

determinants of obesity such as lack ofsleep and mental stress. Dr. Chaput has

published more than 200 peer-reviewed

scientific articles, has an h-index of 28 and

2703 citations according to Scopus. He has

been able to secure over 1.5 million dollars

in research funding over the last 5 years as

Principal Investigator. He serves on many

editorial boards and advisory committees,

and has contributed to a large number of

conferences around the world (>100

lectures). He received several awards for

his research, including the RogerBroughton Young Investigator Award from

the Canadian Sleep Society (2015), the IJO

New Faculty Award from World Obesity

(2014), the New Investigator Award from

the Canadian Obesity Network (2011), the

New Investigator Award from the

International Association for the Study of

Obesity (2010) and the Ethan Sims Young

Investigator Award from The Obesity

Society (2005).


Current research interests include: i) childhood obesity; ii) sleep; iii) physicalactivity, sedentary behaviour and health; and iv) the promotion of ahealthy lifestyle

Editorial Board Member, Nutrition and Diabetes Editorial Board Member, Obesity Science and Practice President of the Chapter Executive Committee, Gatineau-Ottawa

Canadian Obesity Network Chapter Faculty Representative – Canadian Obesity Network – Students & New

Professionals (CON-SNP) University of Ottawa Chapter Steering Committee Member for the development of the world’s first

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth Content expert for the sleep core competency area of the Canadian

Society for Exercise Physiology – Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP) theory exam and certification guide

Advisory Member for the Publi c Health Ontario’s Healthy KidsCommunity Challenge Scientific Reference Committee

Advisory Member for the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep Surveillance Framework

Co-Chair of the Pediatric Committee, Canadian Sleep and CircadianNetwork

Report Card Research Committee Member, ParticipACTION Report Cardon Physical Activity for Children and Youth

Spokesperson for the release of the 11th

ParticipACTION Report Card onPhysical Activity for Children and Youth

Reviewer for many scholarly journals and granting agencies Regular blogger for World Obesity

Graduate Students, Supervision and Training

•

Claire Johnson (University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Co-supervisor (2015- )• Caroline Dutil (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Supervisor (2015- )

• Nelson Nardo Jr. (University of Ottawa) – Postdoctoral fellow supervisor

(2015)

• Greg Traversy (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Supervisor (2014-2016)

• Aidan Gribbon (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Supervisor (2013-2015)

• Christian Lizotte (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Supervisor (2013-2015)

• Alyssa Biagé (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Committee (2015-2017)

•

Alessandro Tirelli (University of Ottawa) – M.A. Committee (2014-2016)

• Erin Wing (University of Ottawa) – M.A. Committee (2014-2015)

• Joseph Abdulnour (University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Committee (2011-2015)

Memberships

Canadian Obesity Network The Obesity Society World Obesity Canadian Society for Exercise

Physiology Canadian Sleep Society World Association of Sleep

Medicine Canadian Sleep and Circadian

Network Sedentary Behaviour Research

Network


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DR. GARY GOLDFIELD

Education, Credentials, Academic Appointments MA and PhD, Department of Psychology, Carleton University Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Behavioural Medicine, State University of New York

(SUNY) at Buffalo Registered Clinical Psychologist – College of Psychologists of Ontario Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of

Ottawa

Cross-appointed to Department of Psychology, University of Ottawa Adjunct Professor in the Department of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa Cross-Appointment to Department of Population Health, University of Ottawa Adjunct Research Professor, Department of Psychology, Carleton University Senior Scientist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute

Biography

Dr. Goldfield is a Senior Scientist in HALOand an Associate Professor of Pediatrics,Human Kinetics, and Psychology at theUniversity of Ottawa. He is also aregistered clinical psychologist practicing in

the community and sees children,adolescents and adults. Dr. Goldfieldbegan the childhood obesity research

program at the CHEO Research Institute 12years ago and is a founding member ofHALO. He has held an Endowed Scholar

Award from the CHEO Volunteer Association Board, a New Investigator Award from the Canadian Institutes ofHealth Research, and received the 2014CHEO RI Outstanding mentor award. Dr.Goldfield’s main research interests are inthe role that physical activity, sedentarybehaviour and dietary changes play in the

treatment and prevention of child obesity.He has published over 70 peer-reviewed

papers and book chapters and has over 100scholarly conference presentations and

published abstracts.

Research, Clinical, Professional and Scholarly Focus and Service Current research interests include: i) childhood obesity treatment and

prevention ii) psychological determinants and consequences of child obesityiii) Effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on body compositionand mental health, and neurocognitive development; iv) determinants ofthe rewarding value of food and eating behavior; Grant Reviewer; Social and Developmental Aspects of Children’s and

Youth’s Health Committee, Canadian Institutes of Health Research(CIHR)

• Grant Reviewer; Fellowship Awards Grant Review Committee,

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)•

Grant Reviewer, CHEO Science Committee, CHEO Research Institute• Member, Health Behavior Change Committee, American Heart

Association• Member, Child Obesity prevention Guidelines Committee, Registered

Nurses of Ontario.•

Registered clinical psychologist, College of Psychologists of Ontario• Member Treatment and Research of Obesity in Pediatrics in Canada

(TROPIC)• Member, Advisory Board and Program Evaluation Committee, Centre

for Healthy Active Living (CHAL) at CHEO•

Member of numerous Dissertation Committees, University of Ottawa• Reviewer for many scholarly journals and granting agencies, and

external examiner on Master’s theses and Dissertations

Graduate Student Supervision and Training

• Darcie Valois (Carleton University) – M.Sc. Supervisor (2015-)

• Alessandro Tirelli (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Supervisor (2013-2015)

• Angela Wilson (University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Supervisor (2010‐2016)

• Marisa Murray (University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Supervisor (2011‐2017)

•

Luzia Jaeger Hintze(University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Supervisor (2012-2017)

•

Jameason Cameron (University of Ottawa) – Postdoc Supervisor (2013-2016)• Stephanie Leon (University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Committee (2012-2017) •

Genevieve Monaghan (university of Ottawa) – Ph.D Committee (2013-2017) • Aidan Gribbon (university of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Committee (2013-2015)

• Jennifer Brown (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Committee (2013-2015) • Holly Ockenden (university of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Committee (2013-2015 )

Memberships• College of Psychologists of

Ontario• Canadian Psychological

Association• American Psychological

Association

•

Canadian Obesity Network• The Obesity Society•

Sedentary Behaviour ResearchNetwork


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DR. KATIE GUNNELL

Education, Credentials, Academic Appointments Post-Doctoral Fellowship, School of Psychology and Human Kinetics, the University

of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada (2014)

PhD, School of Kinesiology, sub-specialization in Measurement, Evaluation, and

Research Methodology, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

(2013)

MA, Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines Ontario, Canada(2009)

BKIN, Department of Physical Education and Kinesiology, Brock University, St.

Catharines Ontario, Canada (2007)

Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa

Junior Research Scientist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute

Biography

Dr. Gunnell is a Junior Research Scientist

with HALO at the Children’s Hospital of

Eastern Ontario Research Institute and an

Adjunct Professor in the School of Human

Kinetics at the University of Ottawa. Dr.

Gunnell joined HALO in September of 2014.

In addition to holding a PhD in Kinesiology

with a specialization in Exercise

Psychology, Dr. Gunnell also holds a sub-

specialization in Measurement, Evaluation,

and Research Methodology. Her Masters,

PhD, and post-doctoral research were

funded by the Social Sciences and

Humanities Research Council of Canada

(SSHRC).


Dr. Gunnell’s research focuses on three broad streams. First, she is

interested in understanding the factors that lead to greater psychological

well-being and physical activity participation as well as less screen time and

ill-being. In this line of research, she examines the role of goals, different

sources of physical activity or screen time motivation, and experiences of

competence, autonomy, and relatedness as predictors of psychological and

behavioural outcomes. In a second line of research, she examines

measurement properties of instruments used to assess psychological

variables related to physical activity and screen time. Finally, Dr. Gunnell is

interested in longitudinal research (examining factors over time) and

interventions aimed at increasing physical activity and well-being as well as

reducing screen time and ill-being.

• Associate Editor for International Review of Sport and Exercise

Psychology

• Reviewer for many scholarly journals including the Journal of Sport

and Exercise Psychology, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Sport

Exercise and Performance Psychology• Guest Lecturer at the University of Ottawa

• Member, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Joint Health and Safety Committee

Graduate Students, Supervision and Training• Vedrana Sember, PhD student, University of Primorska. Thesis Committee

Member

Memberships• The Canadian Society for

Psychomotor Learning and

Sport Psychology (SCAPPS)

•

North American Society for

Psychology of Sport and

Physical Activity (NASPSPA)

•

European Congress of SportPsychology • Sedentary Behaviour Research

Network


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DR. PAT LONGMUIR

Education, Credentials, Academic Appointments MSc, Department of Community Health, University of Toronto

PhD, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto

Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Labatt Family Heart Centre, SickKids, Toronto

Research Scientist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute

Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of

Ottawa

Cross-appointed to Department of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa Cross-appointed to School of Graduate and Post-graduate Studies, University of

Ottawa

College of Kinesiology of Ontario – Registered Kinesiologist

Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology – Certified Exercise Physiologist

BiographyDr. Longmuir is a Scientist in the Healthy

Active Living and Obesity Research Group

at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern

Ontario Research Institute. Dr. Longmuir’s

research interests are the promotion of

physical activity to children with medical

conditions and disabilities, and the use of

physical activity to prevent and/or treat

morbidity. Her undergraduate, Masters

and Ph.D. theses examined the impact of

interventions to increase physical activity

among children with heart defects or cystic

fibrosis. Dr. Longmuir’s post -doctoral

fellowship was a community health

promotion initiative targeting parents of

young children. Dr. Longmuir has published

more than 35 papers and 6 book chapters

in the peer-reviewed literature. She has

delivered over 90 scholarly conference

presentations, and more than 50 invitedand keynote addresses.

Research, Clinical, Professional and Scholarly Focus and Service Current research interests include: i) pediatric exercise science, ii) role of

physical activity in physical and mental health of children with cardiac

conditions, iii) physical literacy and health, iv) physical activity among

children with medical conditions and disabilities, v) motor and active

lifestyle development in young children, vii) knowledge translation and

mobilization.

Member of the Champlain Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Network

Healthy School-aged Children Expert Task Group

Invited member of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology

Physical Activity and Lifestyle Appraisal Strategic Planning Committee

Member of the Writing Committee on the Promotion of Physical

Activity Participation in Children and Adults with Congenital Heart

Disease of the American Heart Association

Invited member of the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee

Member of the City of Toronto Department of Parks, Forestry and

Recreation Disability Advisory Committee

Grant application reviews for the Social Sciences and Humanities

Research Council of Canada Insight Grants and the Nuffield Foundation

Reviewer for many scholarly journals, including Circulation, Heart,

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, BMC Public Health, American Journal of Cardiology, Journal of Adolescent Health and Perceptual and

Motor Skills

Faculty and course development for many post-graduate education

courses related to recreation and fitness access, inclusion of people

with disabilities, accessibility of natural environments, and accessibility

of public rights of way

Graduate and Undergraduate Student Research Supervision and Training• Angelica Blais (University of Ottawa) – M.HK candidate (2015-2017)

• Warsame Yusuf (University of Ottawa) – B.Sc candidate (2015-2016)

•

Kevin Moncion (University of Ottawa) – B.HK candidate (2015-2016)

• Meng Yang Sunny Xia (University of Ottawa) – M.D. candidate (2015-2016)

• Julia Jackson (Queen’s University) – BPHE candidate (2015)

•

Christian Lizotte (University of Ottawa) – M.H.K. Committee member (2014-

2015)

• Ammar Bookwala (University of Ottawa) – M.D. candidate, Marjorie Goodrich

Fellowship – co-Supervisor (2014-2015)

• Emily Ertel (University of Ottawa) – B.Sc. candidate (2014-2016)

•

Bhavika Patel (University of Ottawa) – M.D. candidate (2013-2015)

Graduate and Undergraduate Student Clinical Supervision and Training• Johanna Dobransky (U. of Ottawa) – M.A.intervention & Counselling (2015)

• Karine Savard (U. of Ottawa) – M.A.intervention & Counselling (2015) •

Tharsheka Natkunam (U. of Ottawa) – M.A.intervention & Counselling (2015)

Memberships• North American Society for

Paediatric Exercise Medicine

• Canadian Society for Exercise

Physiology

•

American College of SportsMedicine

• American Heart Association

• Canadian Cardiovascular

Society

•

North American Federation of

Adapted Physical Activity• Active Living Alliance for

Canadians with a Disability


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DR. MARK TREMBLAY

Education, Credentials, Academic Appointments• MSc and PhD, Department of Community Health, University of Toronto

• Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology – Certified Exercise Physiologist

•

Full Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa

• Cross-appointed to Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine

• Faculty appointment in Ph.D. Program in Population Health, University of Ottawa

•

Senior Research Scientist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute •

Adjunct Professor, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto

• Visiting Professor, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

• Chief Scientific Officer, ParticipACTION

• Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine

Biography

Dr. Tremblay is the Director of HALO at theChildren’s Hospital of Eastern OntarioResearch Institute and Professor ofPediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine,University of Ottawa. He is a Fellow of the

American College of Sports Medicine, Chair

of the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance,Chief Scientific Officer of theParticipACTION Report Card, Chair of theCanadian Physical Activity GuidelinesCommittee, Founder of the SedentaryBehaviour Research Network, and formerDean of Kinesiology at the University ofSaskatchewan. Dr. Tremblay has publishedmore than 290 papers and book chapters inthe peer-reviewed literature. He hasdelivered over 600 scholarly conference

presentations, including more than 140invited and keynote addresses, in 19different countries. Dr. Tremblay received

an honorary doctorate from NipissingUniversity and the Queen Elizabeth IIDiamond Jubilee Medal for his leadershipcontributions to healthy active living inCanada.


Current research interests include: i) pediatric exercise science ii) childhood

obesity iii) physical literacy and health iv) physical activity, fitness and

health measurement v) sedentary physiology vi) health surveillance vii)

knowledge translation and mobilization.

• Chair of the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance

• Member of the World Health Organization Ad Hoc Working Group on

Science and Evidence for Ending Childhood Obesity

•

Chair of Public Health Ontario’s Healthy Kids Community Challenge

Scientific Reference Committee

• International Scientific Committee for the 2016 International Congress

of Obesity

•

Visiting Professor, Kenyatta University, Nairobi Kenya

• Chief Scientific Officer and spokesperson for the release of the 11th

annual ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children

and Youth

•

Chair, Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines Committee, Canadian

Society for Exercise Physiology

• Research Affiliate with the Alberta Centre for Active Living

•

Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee and Steering Committee for theCanadian Assessment of Physical Literacy Project

• Member, ParticipACTION Research Advisory Group

• Member, Expert Advisory Committee of the Canadian Health

Measures Survey, Statistics Canada

• Reviewer for many scholarly journals, granting agencies, and tenureand promotion applications

Graduate Students, Supervision and Training• Taruwona Manyanga (University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Supervisor (2015-2018)

•

Salomé Aubert (University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Supervisor (2015-2018)

• Justin Lang (University of Ottawa) – Ph.D. Supervisor (2013-2017)

• Allana LeBlanc (University of Ottawa – Ph.D. Supervisor (2012-2015)

•

Samantha Stephens (University of Toronto)– Ph.D. Committee (2008‐2016) •

Francis Okinda (Kenyatta University, Kenya)– M.Sc. Co-Supervisor (2011-15)

• Daniel McCormack (University of Ottawa) – M.Sc. Co-supervisor (2013-16)

• Richard Larouche (University of Ottawa) – Post-doctoral Fellowship

Supervisor (2013‐2016)

Memberships• NASPEM

•

CSEP

• ACSM

• Canadian Obesity Network

•

Physical and Health Ed. Canada•

Int. Society for PA and Health

• ISPAH PA and Obesity Council

• ISPAH Global Advocacy PA

• ISPAH PA Measurement and

Surveillance Council

• Sedentary Behaviour Research

Network (Founder)

• African Physical Activity Network

• International Physical Literacy Association


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HALO STAFF

STACEY ALPOUS completed her BSc in Human Kinetics in 2011 and MHK (Master ofHuman Kinetics) in 2012, both from the University of Ottawa. In 2013, Stacey joined

the HALO team as a Research Assistant and has since worked on various projects

related to the physical literacy of children 8-12 years of age. Now as a Research

Coordinator, Stacey is responsible for the continuing development and the

dissemination of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL). Over the

past year she has had the opportunity to speak to over 800 recreational

professionals, teachers, and coaches about the CAPL and has presented her work

with the CAPL at a number of academic conferences. Outside of her work at HALO

Stacey enjoys bouldering, yoga, biking, running, and playing hockey.

J OEL B ARNES completed a BScKin in 2001 from the University of New Brunswick andan MSc in 2003 from the University of Saskatchewan. In 2010, Joel joined HALO as

Knowledge Synthesis and Analysis Manager. His main responsibility has been

managing the annual Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity

for Children and Youth. Joel also maintains a number of HALO-related websites

(www.haloresearch.ca, www.sedentarybehaviour.org, www.activehealthykids.ca),is lead developer for the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy website

(www.capl-ecsfp.ca), and provides web programming services to HALO research

projects that use web-based technologies. Outside of work, Joel enjoys reading,

playing guitar and a number of outdoor activities including mountain unicycling.

K EVIN BELANGER has a BSc and MSc in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa.Kevin’s Master’s work, completed at HALO under the supervision of Dr. Kristi

Adamo, involved measuring cardiorespiratory fitness levels of children with obesity,

and evaluating their risk profiles after the children were stratified by a newly

developed pediatric obesity screening tool. Kevin re-joined HALO in the summer of

2014 as a Research Coordinator for the CAPL-RBC Learn to Play project. Kevin

enjoys several active pursuits outside of HALO which include hockey, soccer, tennis,golf, football and more!


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N ATASHA C INANNI graduated from University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Sciencewith honours in Human Kinetics. Since then she has been an active member of

rehab and physical activity in her community. Natasha enjoyed working as a

Kinesiologist creating personalized programs for injured individuals based on their

rehabilitation needs, as well as providing education on muscles surrounding injured

areas and their functional purpose. With her growing interest in physical activity

promotion, Natasha now enjoys completing assessments and working to find

healthy lifestyles for children with heart defects. With her love for children and

physical activity, Natasha passionately works on the Toddler Study here at CHEO.

She is a Certified National Coach through NCCP and has several years’ experience

with individuals of varying recreational and competitive levels. Through the British

Association of Teachers of Dancing, Natasha has completed her Associate Teachers

Certification in tap, jazz, modern, stage and hip hop. Through the Royal Academy of

Dancing, she is a certified ballet teacher. Natasha continues to be an active

member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing by attending dance

classes and teaching at Cumbrae School of Dance. She has been able to use all

these acquired skills for several years to continuously aid in her extensive

experience in community health, raising awareness to increase physical activity,

and active rehabilitation. When not helping others, Natasha enjoys going to the

gym, dancing and spending time with her family.

AMÉLIE F OURNIER completed her Honours BSc specialized in Human Kinetics at theUniversity of Ottawa in 2014, during which she completed 2 research projects; one

looking at the influence of sport type on movement imagery in children, and the

second looking at attentional demands associated with postural control in elderly.

She was thrilled to join the HALO research team in May 2013 as a summer student

for the Healthy Lifestyles for Children with Complex Heart Problems (ReACH) and

the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL) research projects. In January

2014, she joined the team as a research assistant, continuing to work on CAPL

research projects, the Tumbling Together study looking at the effectiveness of a

gymnastics program to improve self-regulation skills in preschool-aged children, as

well as various other projects. Outside of work, Amélie enjoys going to the gym,

practicing Barre Fitness, snowmobiling, painting, and cooking for family and friends.

As a career goal, she hopes to become either a medical doctor or a dentist.

K IMBERLY P. GRATTAN has a Masters in Applied Health Sciences from Brock University‘09. She is a Research Coordinator for Dr. Kristi Adamo and her main responsibilities

pertain to the Activity Begins in Childhood (ABC) trial, an intervention aimed at

increasing the moderate to vigorous physical activity of preschool aged children

and decreasing time spent sedentary. She has recently transitioned to overseeing

SmartMoms-Canada, an app-based pregnancy intervention aimed at improving the

health of both mother and baby as the ABC study is now closed to accrual and work

begins on knowledge translation. Kimberly is an active member of the HALO Social

Committee and the Research Coordinators Network in the Research Institute.Outside of work Kimberly continues to be an avid member of the Gatineau-Ottawa

underwater hockey club and a previous member of the women’s National

underwater hockey team. She also enjoys weight training, travelling, biking, skiing,

and reading. She is a founding member of the “HALO bike gang”.


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DR. C ASEY GRAY joined the HALO team in March 2013 as Project Manager. Her mainresearch areas are risky active outdoor play, systematic reviews, and guideline

development. Casey moved to Ottawa in 2011 after completing her Ph.D. in

Kinesiology at Western University where she examined psycho-social determinants

of children’s physical activity. Prior to this, she earned an MA in Applied Health

Sciences from Brock University and a BHK in Leisure and Sport Management from

the University of Windsor. Outside of work Casey enjoys being Ruby’s mom and

spending time at “the cottage”.

ALYSHA (DINGWALL ) H ARVEY has an Honours B.Sc. in Kinesiology and Health Sciencesfrom York University, is a certified Personal Trainer, and a certified Project Manager

(PMP). At the age of 21, while completing her Bachelor of Science, she started her

own business in health and fitness, working with elite athletes as well as the

general population, including children. In addition to personal training and

conducting fitness assessments, Alysha worked as a Kinesiologist in a clinical

environment, aiding patients in rehabilitation. Alysha continued her interest in

sport via sports event management, working on projects with Hockey Canada, the

Canadian Hockey League, the OHL, the IIHF, and the OWHA, including: NationalJunior Hockey Team Selection Camps, pre-Olympic tour of the Women’s Olympic

Hockey Team of the People’s Republic of China, and bidding for the Memorial Cup

on behalf of several OHL teams. Alysha also broadcasted on the Fan Radio Network

for the National Women’s Hockey TSN Challenge, Team Canada vs. Team USA. In

developing her business acumen, Alysha pursued additional project management

work in the private and not-for-profit sector for several years, while still

maintaining her connection to health, fitness, and sport. Alysha joined HALO as a

Research Coordinator in 2010, assisting Dr. Kristi Adamo and Dr. Gary Goldfield

with research in childhood obesity, including studies in physical activity

intervention amongst preschoolers and maternal obesity management.

DR. GENEVIÈVE LEDUC moved to Ottawa after completing a Doctoral Degree in

nutrition at Université Laval in Quebec City where she studied environmentalinfluences on adiposity and fitness levels in elementary school-aged children. She

also contributed to the implementation of pilot interventions to teach healthy

nutrition and to enhance physical activity participation in fun and interactive ways

in elementary schools and summer day camps in Quebec City. She first joined HALO

in 2012 as the project manager of the Canadian site for the International Study of

Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) and was back with the

group in 2015 after a maternity leave. She is currently working as a Research

Coordinator for various projects alongside Drs. Mark Tremblay and Richard

Larouche. Outside of work, Geneviève loves to cook healthy and delicious meals for

her family and participate in running events and short distance triathlons.


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DR. V ERONICA P OITRAS completed her PhD in Kinesiology at Queen ’s University inSeptember of 2014. Her graduate work focused on: 1) the impact of lifestyle

factors (psychosocial stress and consumption of a high-fat diet) on cardiovascular

health and function, and 2) the cardiovascular consequences of type 2 diabetes and

the preliminary development of an intervention to enhance exercise tolerance in

this population. She joined HALO in December 2014 as part of the team working to

develop the world’s first “24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth”.

This project is based on the appreciation that all behaviours along the movement

continuum (from sleep and sedentary behaviours to vigorous intensity physical

activity) interact with one another with respect to health, and ultimately aims to

improve the overall well-being of children and youth. She is also involved in a

number of initiatives aimed at advancing physical activity in children and youth in

Canada and around the world (e.g., with the Active Canada 20/20 Active Play

Action Group, and the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance). Outside of work,

Veronica loves spending time in the Great Outdoors. She enjoys cycling, hiking,

snowshoeing, group exercise/fitness classes, reading, baking/cooking, and spending

time with family and friends.

H ÉLÈNE SINCLAIR is a Certified Administration Professional – with additionalcertifications in Organizational Management and Technology Applications (CAP-

OM-TA – International Association of Administrative Professionals – IAAP) Sheprovides administrative, human resource and financial services assistance to the

Director and the HALO team (since November 2010). Originally from Northern

Ontario (Sudbury), she brings over 29 years of experience in office administration.

She is an active volunteer within CHEO as the Staff Forum Co-Chair and she serves

as Co-Chair (worker representative) of the Research Institute’s Joint Health and

Safety Committee. She has been a member of the IAAP since January 2009 and

served as President in 2014/2015 and 2010/2011 for the Ottawa Chapter. Beyond

her role with HALO, Hélène’s passion and interest for walking the HALO talk is

evident as she launched the Staff Forum Fit Club organizing weekly walking group

meetings and monthly Lunch and Learn sessions focused on healthy living. She is

also a long time active member (> 9 years) as a Community Team Member, Team

Leader with reputable online fitness and healthy living programs. Other areas ofinterest include walking/hiking, swimming, dancing, traveling, continuous personal

development and writing.

SHANNA W ILSON completed her BSc (Honours) in Biochemistry at the University ofGuelph in April 2010. She then pursued a Master of Bioinformatics at the University

of Guelph to combine her passion for complex, automated data analysis and the

biological sciences which she completed in November 2011. Shanna has previously

worked as a skiing instructor and swimming instructor/lifeguard. She was involved

with a math and reading teaching program for children. Shanna joined HALO in May

2012 and is contributing to the HALO initiative through a combination of her

experiences working with children and her knowledge of biological

sciences/informatics. She is a research assistant, under the supervision of Dr. Kristi

Adamo, and is contributing to multitude of projects in the Power of Prevention in

the Early Years program, including maternal obesity management, eHealth

technologies for managing gestational weight gain during pregnancy, and early

childhood physical activity interventions. Outside of work, Shanna likes to stay

active by walking, swimming and participating in fitness classes. She also enjoys

reading, and knitting in her spare time. Since late August, Shanna has been working

as a Data and Research Analyst at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of

Canada.


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Figure 1: Number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions in HALO Research Group from 2006 to 2015. Between 2006

and 2015, there was a 650% increase in FTE, and between 2014 and 2015, there was a very slight variance in FTE.

HALO’s Strategic Planning Retreat – June 23, 2015

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

2.3

4.1

6.5

9.08.2

13.7

15.216.0

17.3 17.2

Number of FTE


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GRADUATE STUDENTS

HALO proudly displays the names of Graduate Students on a

plaque in the main office. Those honoured in 2015 include:

Aidan Gribbon (MSc)

Kendra Brett (PhD)

Christian Lizotte (MSc)

Allana LeBlanc (PhD)

Holly Ockenden (MSc)

S ALOMÉ AUBERT Ph.D. Candidate

Supervisor: Dr. Mark Tremblay

Research Program: Ph.D. Population Health, University of Ottawa

Dissertation Topic: International and intercultural childhood physical activitycomparison for the promotion of healthy active living among

children in countries around the world .

ANGELICA BLAIS M.Sc. Candidate

Supervisor: Dr. Pat Longmuir and Dr. Kristi Adamo

Research Program: M.Sc. Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa

Thesis Topic: The impact of Sportball participation in pediatric cardiovasculardisease patients

K ENDRA BRETT Ph.D. Student

Supervisor: Dr. Kristi Adamo

Research Program: Ph.D. Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa

Dissertation Topic: The Impact Of Maternal Obesity And Physical Activity On TheExpression Of Placental Fatty Acid Transporters

D ANILO DA SILVA Ph.D. Visiting International Student

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Kristi Adamo

Research Program: Unversidade Estadual de Maringá

Dissertation Topic: Endurance running training guided by heart rate variability in female recreational runners: effects on running performance


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C AROLINE DUTIL M.Sc. Candidate

Supervisor: Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput and Dr. François Haman


Thesis Topic: Looking at the influence of the relative age effect on scoresobtained in the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy in a large

sample of Canadian children ages 8 to 12

AIDAN GRIBBON M.Sc. Student

Supervisor: Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput


Thesis Topic: Active Video Games and Appetite Control in Adolescents

ALYSHA (DINGWALL ) H ARVEY M.Sc. Student

Supervisor: Dr. Kristi Adamo


Thesis Topic: Metabolic profile of various pregnancy phenotypes

J USTIN L ANG Ph.D. Candidate


Research Program: PhD Population Health – University of Ottawa

Dissertation Topic: Exploring the Utility of Cardiorespiratory Fitness as a PopulationHealth Surveillance Indicator for Children and Youth: An

International Analysis of Results from the 20m Shuttle Run Test

ALLANA LE BLANC Ph.D. Candidate,


Research Program: Ph.D. Population Health, University of Ottawa

Dissertation Topic: Correlates of overall sedentary time, and specific sedentarybehaviours in children


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GREG T RAVERSY M.Sc. Candidate

Supervisor: Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput


Thesis Topic: Associations between domains of physical literacy in 8-12 year-oldchildren, by weight status

D ARCIE V ALOIS M.A. Student

Supervisor: Dr. Gary Goldfield

Research Program: M.A. Psychology, Carleton University

Thesis Topic: Identifying projective factors for body esteem in overweight/obeseyouth who have experienced weight teasing

ANGELA W ILSON Ph.D. Student

Supervisor: Dr. Gary Goldfield

Research Program: Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, University of Ottawa

Dissertation Topic: Identifying mediators and moderators of the obesity-depressionlink in children and adolescents

Figure 2: Number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) graduate students in the HALO Research Group from 2006 to

2015. Between 2006 and 2015, there was a 588% increase, and between 2014 and 2015, there was a 31%

increase in the number of students. A total of 5 students graduated in 2015 while 7 new students joined the

team in 2015.

02

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

2 2

4

7

11

14

1213 13

17

Number of Students


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FELLOWS

DR. J AMEASON C AMERON is a postdoctoral fellow with the HALO group, working underDr. Gary Goldfield. Dr. Cameron attained his M.Sc. while at Montfort Hospital in the

Behavioural and Metabolic Research Unit, and in 2013 completed his doctorate

looking at the role of appetite-related hormones, food reward, and olfaction in

predicting appetite and food intake in normal weight and obese adults. Currently he

is coordinating a project titled “The Effects of Prenatal Smoking on Adiposity and

Metabolism in Young Children”. Dr. Cameron has also attained a NOL from Health

Canada to begin a clinical drug trial examining the off-label use of the ADHD

medication methylphenidate and its role in appetite and weight loss. Dr. Cameron’s

main interests are explored using randomized controlled trials, often in paradigms of

energy depletion, with the intention of identifying how physiological and

behavioural changes are inter-related in the context of fasting and weight loss. New

topics of interest include how the microbiome and genetic markers of impulsivity

may impact obesity.

DR. RICHARD L AROUCHE is a postdoctoral fellow with the HALO group and a Part-timeprofessor in the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa. He holds a

postdoctoral fellowship from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. His

research focusses on many themes related to healthy active living among children

and youth including active transportation, physical activity, outdoor play and health-related fitness. He completed his PhD in 2013 with Dr. Mark Tremblay and his

dissertation examined the health-related outcomes and correlates of active

transportation in children and youth. Dr. Larouche is the recipient of the CHEO

Research Institute 2015 Outstanding Trainee award. He has published 30 peer-

reviewed articles and 2 book chapters, delivered 36 scholarly presentations, and

received about $700,000 in research funds. Dr. Larouche enjoys several hobbies

outside of HALO including cycling, running, hiking, snowshoeing, camping, and road

hockey. He is the current Vice-President of the Healthy Transportation Coalition,

which advocates for improved access to sustainable travel options in the Ottawa-

Gatineau region.

DR. N ELSON N ARDO J UNIOR (also known as the “Brazilian Pirate”) spent 1 year with theHALO group (January to December 2015) as a postdoctoral fellow funded through

the program Science Without Borders. The goal of his visit in Canada was to build

collaborations with Canadian scientists and also work on a project titled

“Intervention program for obesity treatment in Brazil and Canada” as well as on the

Brazilian Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. Dr. Nardo Junior is

a professor of physical education in Brazil (State University of Maringa) interested in

interdisciplinary programs to address pediatric obesity. The initiative of Dr. Nardo

Junior to come to our research group in Canada was instrumental in strengthening

the academic linkages between both institutions (Canada and Brazil). To this effect, a

Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between both institutions

(University of Ottawa and State University of Maringa) and should facilitate futurecollaborations and student exchanges. Dr. Nardo Junior enjoys several hobbies

outside of HALO including cycling, motor biking, and music.


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RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

DR. Z ACHARY F ERRARO is a clinical research associate with the HALO group. Prior tostarting his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at the University of Ottawa in August

2015 he held a CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Institute of Human

Development, Child and Youth Health. In 2006, he received a Bachelor of

Kinesiology from McMaster University and specialized in physiology and metabolism.

In 2007, he obtained his MSc in Human Health & Nutritional Science at the University

of Guelph where he studied glycemic control in overweight/obese men. He

completed his PhD at the University of Ottawa and CHEO with the HALO ResearchGroup. His dissertation was titled “maternal predictors and potential modifiers of

fetal growth during pregnancy”.

He is a certified exercise physiologist (CSEP-CEP) and outgoing Chair of the Canadian

Obesity Network’s Student and New Professional initiative. Dr. Ferraro has over 45

peer-reviewed publications in medical/scientific journals, 110+ public presentations,

was an Ontario Graduate Scholar, and University of Ottawa Deans Scholar. His

dissertation was nominated for the University of Ottawa Governor General’s Gold

Medal and he was the inaugural recipient of the Canadian Obesity Network’s Rising

Star award. For more information please visit his website: www.DrFerraro.ca

HALO CLINICAL ASSOCIATES

DR. ANNICK BUCHHOLZ is a clinical psychologist, and lead in outcomes management andresearch at the Centre for Healthy Active Living (CHAL). Dr. Buchholz was previously

involved in the development of the eating disorder day treatment and inpatient

programs at CHEO; and, along with her colleagues in eating disorders, implemented

outcomes measurement for both these programs. Dr. Buchholz has also been involved

in the development and evaluation of the prevention program 'BodySense'; a program

aimed at promoting healthy body image in athletes. She is a co-investigator on the

REAL study, 'Research on Eating and Adolescent Lifestyles, an Ottawa-based

longitudinal study examining shared risk factors between eating disorders and obesity

in youth. Her research interests include psychosocial risk factors related to body image,

stigma, disordered eating, and weight regulation in children and youth, as well as

treatment outcomes.

DR. STASIA H ADJIYANNAKIS received her medical degree from the University of Toronto(1996) and completed her pediatric residency at Queen’s University with an endocrine

fellowship at McGill University. She worked as a Visiting Professor at the University of

California San Francisco (2003) where she received more in-depth training in the area

of pediatric obesity and lipid disorders. Stasia is the Medical Director of the Center for

Healthy Active Living. She is an assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of

Ottawa and has been an active member of the Department of Pediatrics at CHEO in

the division of endocrinology since November 2001. Her clinical, advocacy and

research interests are in the area of pediatric obesity and related co-morbidities such

as metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovariansyndrome. Her research interests are in examining the interplay between

behavioural/psychosocial, genetic, and intrauterine factors in predicting risk for

obesity related co-morbidities.

http://www.drferraro.ca/http://www.drferraro.ca/http://www.drferraro.ca/http://www.drferraro.ca/


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J ANE RUTHERFORD completed a BSc. in Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences and a MSc.in Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism from the University of Guelph. Jane is the

Exercise Specialist for CHEO’s Centre for Healthy Active Living which works to help

manage the health of children and youth with complex severe obesity and their

families. Jane’s previous work experience includes working in cardiac and

musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation as an Exercise Physiologist, Lifestyle coach with

the YMCA/YWCA’s Y Kids Fit program, and Research Coordinator with the Healthy

Active Living and Obesity Research Group. Leading by example, Jane is an avid

marathon runner, fitness instructor, and field hockey player.

AF FI LI AT E IN VES TIG ATOR S

DR. V ALERIE C ARSON Assistant ProfessorFaculty of Physical Education and Recreation

University of Alberta

Edmonton, AB

DR. V INCENT O. ONYWERA Associate Professor

Department of Recreation Management and Exercise ScienceRegistrar of Research, Innovation and Outreach

Kenyatta University

Nairobi-KENYA

Dr. Mark Tremblay’s visit in Shanghai, China – November 2015


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WHERE ARE THEY NOW

New for 2015, we added a section about our HALO alumni and where they are now.

P RISCILLA BÉLANGER was part of the HALO team from September 2012 to March 2014. HALO provided her with valuableexposure and experience in public health research and a great start to her career in public health. She is now an

Outreach Facilitator for the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC) program at the University of Ottawa Heart

Institute. Her work consists of implementing and sustaining the OMSC program in hospitals across Ontario.

MICHAEL BORGHESE is completing his PhD in Physical Activity Epidemiology (School of Kinesiology and Health Studies) atQueen's University with Dr. Ian Janssen. The focus on his work is on the measurement of physical activity in children and

youth.

C HARLES BOYER is now a Research Associate with the Workplace Health, Wellness and Safety Research Group at TheConference Board of Canada. He is also the Network Manager for the Conference Board's Council on Workplace Health

and Wellness. In 2016 he became a proud papa of a baby boy named Gio Angelo Bareggi Boyer. His new work location is

just a short walk away from CHEO, so from time to time he still gets out to play HALO ball hockey or soccer with his HALO

buddies.

After spending two years with the Child Health and Exercise Medicine Program at McMaster University and then the two

subsequent years with the department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Ottawa Hospital P ETER BREITHAUPT now teachescourses at Algonquin College in their Fitness and Health Promotion program, he certifies Personal Trainers for CSEP and

remains active in the training field with clients across a number of populations.

In March 2015, K ENDRA BRETT started working as a clinical research coordinator in orthopedic surgery at the OttawaHospital Research Institute (OHRI), where she was responsible for the coordination of 10 clinical trials. She successfully

defended her doctoral thesis in May 2015, and is enjoying having free time again. In January 2016, she took a new

position within the OHRI as a clinical research associate studying quality indicators in kidney transplant patients.

C YNTHIA K. C OLAPINTO joined Health Canada’s Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion as a Nutrition Advisor andEpidemiologist, following a post-doctoral fellowship in perinatal epidemiology (Université de Sherbrooke, 2013-2014).

Dr. Colapinto uses research to inform nutrition policy. Dr. Colapinto’s research interests include nutritional epidemiology,

dietary patterns, surveillance and evidence review methods.

AMÉLIE F OURNIER moved to Montréal, QC, in August 2015. She is now in her first year of Dental School at McGill University,hoping to graduate as a general dentist in 2019.

C LAIRE F RANCIS is back in England completing the NHS Scientist Training Programme where she is working to become aclinical scientist in Respiratory and Sleep science.

REBECCA GIBBONS recently finished her Master’s in Public Health at UBC and is now working in Vancouver for a non -profitcalled DASH (Directorate of Agencies for School Health) as a Health Promotion Coordinator. She helps support a network

of educators and health authority staff to promote healthier schools throughout BC. She has been exploring the

beautiful west coast, discovering the value of tidal maps, and pretending she knows what it means to “shred” in the

mountains.

AIDAN GRIBBON is working as a Health Measures Specialist with the Canadian Health Measures Survey, and teaching parttime at Algonquin College here in Ottawa.

ALLANA LE BLANC completed her PhD in Population Health in September 2015 and is now working as the KnowledgeManager with ParticipACTION. At ParticipACTION, Allana is the lead on the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical

Activity for Children and Youth as well as many other knowledge products meaning she's able to continue to work with

many HALO colleagues on an on-going basis. Allana has also maintained her certifications as a CSEP Certified Exercise

Physiologist and as a Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist and Certified Exercised Physiologist with the American

College of Sports Medicine.

C HRISTIAN LIZOTTE is now working as a physical exercise specialist for the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare services(Department of National Defence). He is also working part time in the same field with a team of psychologists and

nutritionists in a multidisciplinary healthcare clinic.


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STUDENTS AND VOLUNTEERS

NAME UNIVERSITY/ROLE PROJECT(S) SUPERVISOR

Alyssa Ashton Volunteer The Canadian Assessment of

Physical Literacy (CAPL)

Dr. Pat Longmuir

Ammar Bookwala Research Student Impact of Physical Activity

Counselling on Symptoms of

Children with Tourettes and Tics

Dr. Pat Longmuir

Kristi Calderwood Carleton UniversityUndergraduate Thesis

ISCOLE Canada Geocoding Dr. Mark TremblayDr. Richard

Larouche

Laura Callender Summer Research Student 24-Hour Guideline Reviews Dr. Mark Tremblay

Ray Cronin Volunteer CAPL Dr. Jean-Philippe

Chaput

Johanna Dobransky Clinical Intern Physical Activity Counselling for

Children with Medical Conditions

and Disabilities

Dr. Pat Longmuir

Jennifer Erlikh Volunteer Sleep and insulin sensitivity in

adolescents

Dr. Jean-Philippe

Chaput

Emily Ertel Research Student Motor Development of Toddlerswith Congenital Heart Disease

Dr. Pat Longmuir

Sheniz Eryuzlu Summer Research Student 24-Hour Guideline Reviews Dr. Mark Tremblay

Sheniz Eryuzlu University of Ottawa

Undergraduate Thesis

Active Transportation and

Independent Mobility

Dr. Mark Tremblay

John Esposito Volunteer MOM Trial Dr. Kristi Adamo

Diana Farhat Volunteer CAPL Dr. Jean-Philippe

Chaput

Rayan Ghaedi Volunteer ABC Trial Dr. Kristi Adamo

Jennifer Ham Volunteer Physical activity and Obesity Year

in Review

Dr. Mark Tremblay

Stephanie Harris Volunteer Music as a motivator to exercise Dr. Jean-Philippe

ChaputJulia Jackson Research Student Assessing the Emotional Health

Quality of Life of Children and

Adolescents with Cardiac

Arrhythmias and

Cardiomyopathies

Dr. Pat Longmuir

Holly Livock Carleton University

Undergraduate Thesis

The relationship between active

transportation and children’s

physical activity level

Dr. Mark Tremblay

Dr. Richard

Larouche

Sydney McNeely Volunteer Exergaming and eating behaviour

in male adolescents

Dr. Jean-Philippe

Chaput

Kevin Moncion Research Student Translating physical activity

knowledge to adolescents withinherited arrhythmia syndromes,

their families and community

leaders

Dr. Pat Longmuir

Tharsheka Natkunam Clinical Intern Physical Activity Counselling for

Children with Medical Conditions

and Disabilities

Dr. Pat Longmuir

Bhavika Patel Research Student Psychosocial Health of Children

and Teens with Complex Heart

Problems

Dr. Pat Longmuir


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HALO PHOTO GALLERY


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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND DIETARY IMPLICATIONS THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY: THE PLACENTA

STUDY

Principal Investigator: Dr. Kristi Adamo

Co-Investigators: JT Arnason, S Bainbridge, Z Ferraro , L Gaudet, M Holcik, J Shearer

Funding Source: Canadian Institutes of Health Research ($833,867)

Introduction: The placenta is the key interface of nutrient and oxygen transport between a mother and her fetus.

Preliminary evidence suggests that physical activity-induced changes in placenta biology are crucial factors aiding in optimal

fetal development. Our study will be the first of its kind to take a comprehensive look at the role of PA during pregnancy in

regulating gene expression and metabolic function in the placenta. This work will provide novel insight through examination

of transcription and translation, as well as functional behaviour in response to habitual maternal PA; an unproven

phenomenon that is believed to be a crucial factor aiding in optimal fetal development.

Aims& Hypotheses: The literature supports the premise that PA

provides a protective advantage that aids in optimizing fetal

growth (e.g. attenuating fetal overgrowth). We hypothesize

that the protective mechanism is mediated by changes in

placenta biology, specifically to nutrient delivery, accessibility

and sensing pathways that include nutrient transport and

signaling. In order to identify the key differences between the

placenta biology of active and inactive women, we will use a

multi-tiered approach that includes global gene expression,

placenta perfusion kinetics, and systemic metabolome

characterization.

· Aim 1: To determine differences in gene expression profiles inthe placentas of women who are habitually physically active

over the course of their pregnancy when compared with those

who are not.

· Aim 2: To identify whether placentas from active women respond differently to macronutrients (i.e. glucose, fatty acids,amino acids) ex vivo.

· Aim 3: To characterize the maternal and fetal microbiome in active vs. inactive women and in

relation to gestational weight gain.

· Aim 4: To characterize the 2nd and 3rd trimester serum metabolome of active and inactive pregnant women as well as placenta and cord blood to gather information on the maternal-fetal metabolome.

Population: This novel work will capitalize on our ongoing Active Mom! study of pregnant recruited during their second

trimester of pregnancy designed to examine the relationship between lifestyle behaviours of women over the course of

their pregnancy, and biological and physiological markers (i.e. placenta tissue samples, maternal and cord blood). Women

are categorized as active or not based on objective accelerometry measures.

Methods employed: For Aim 1 we will perform transcriptional profiling using AffymetrixGeneChip Human Transcriptome

array 2.0 and will use the emerging technique of ribosomal profiling to assess mRNA translation level changes. For Aim 2 we

will examine nutrient transport functionality using the ex vivo placenta perfusion model and for Aim 3 we will collect stoolsamples over the course of pregnancy and once postpartum using the DNA genotek OMNIgene•GUT self -collection tubes

followed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing assays. To complete Aim 4 we will perform maternal serum, fetal serum

(cord blood) and placenta tissue metabolomics profiling via NMR spectroscopy.

Relevance: Collectively, this set of studies will provide timely and much needed understanding of the effects of maternal PA

on placental mechanisms related to regulation of in utero growth. Over the last generation, there have been marked

increases in the prevalence and severity of obesity among women of reproductive age, as well as the prevalence of fetal

overgrowth. The proposed placental studies will help to fill the mechanistic void related to the effect of PA on fetal growth.

Answering these basic questions will provide ammunition to researchers, clinicians and patients who strive to positively

influence gestational weight gain, birthweight and long-term health and wellbeing through increased PA.


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INTERNATIONAL STUDY OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY, LIFESTYLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT (ISCOLE)

Principal Investigators’ meeting, Atlanta, 2013

(Drs. Mark Tremblay and Jean-Philippe Chaput are the co-PIs of the Canadian site)

ISCOLE is a collaboration among scientists from 12 countries representing every inhabited continent (Australia, Brazil,

Canada, Colombia, Finland, India, Kenya, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States). The participating

countries span a wide range of socioeconomic and human development, as well as geographic and cultural diversity. The

use of a standardized protocol and methodology and a rigorous training and quality control program was a primary focus ofISCOLE, and ensured consistently high-quality data across all sites. It is anticipated that the identification of determinants of

obesity across low-, middle- and high-income countries will inform the development of lifestyle, environmental and policy

interventions to address childhood obesity that can be culturally adapted for implementation around the world.

Data collection of ISCOLE is completed and the targeted sample size of 6000 children (500 per site) was well exceeded (final

N = 7372). This was accomplished by the dedicated work of the site principal investigators and their teams, as well as a

healthy level of competition across sites. To date, >240 people have worked on ISCOLE in some capacity, ranging from

senior scientists to postdoctoral fellows, students and staff. Further, almost 20 graduate student theses and dissertations

have relied on the ISCOLE infrastructure and data so far. More than 45 peer-reviewed articles have been published using

ISCOLE data, including a series of 16 original contributions published in the International Journal of Obesity Supplements inDecember 2015 (www.nature.com/ijosup/journal/v5/n2s/index.html).

Findings discovered so far using ISCOLE bust strongly held beliefs about key contributors of childhood obesity and healthy

living behaviours. Bottom line, contributors to childhood obesity can be quite different between count ries and a “one size

fits all” approach to obesity prevention is misguided. We hope that the impact of ISCOLE on the f

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